Thread: Which screws for plywood?

WW, I pre drill (2 -3 mm Drill bit) and use chipboard screws (50mm). I even use a manual screwdriver as I find that all my power drills have too much torque for the screws.

Based on advice from Sachys Robertson I use their Maxx screws. A client of theirs had a problem with screws and ply and found that the maxx screws resolved the issue. So far so good for me.

I have good results with 50mm chipboard screws, predrilled and countersunk with the one bit and also use pva too.

Cheers
Michael

50mm chipboard screws and Titebond for me. I always pre drill - as much as anything to ensure the screw goes in straight and doesn't bulge or break out, as much as to stop it splitting. As Pat says, go easy with the power drill. I set mine to low, and if I need extra torque to get one tight, I use a brace with a philips bit.

Great advice gents and much appreciated.

Conformat screws are designed for the job. They require two drills and countersink (I used to use a countersink on the larger bit so each screw required two drilling actions but now use special bits I ordered from the US which do it all in one. The screws have a parallel shank, a coarse thread and a blunt end. They do not split plywood or MDF even when using a power driver. I buy them in packs of 100 from specialty fasteners in fyshwick and in these quantities are reasonably priced. You can get small packs in bunnings but they call them particle board screws and they are not reasonably priced. In the unlikely event you have bought flat pack furniture they are ofter the scres supplied. They come in phillips or hex driver heads and two sizes 4 and 5 mm and several lengths 40 and 50 mm are the most common I think.

Woody, you have got good advice.

A drop of oil - cooking oil's fine - or soap on the screw will aid driving substantially.

Cheers

Graeme

We always used washing up liquid when driving into hardwood, but I've never needed it with plywood.

Thanks gents!

I noticed the comment by rhancock about the brace. I have been using one for years.'' My other cordless driver''. I grab it when the power one starts to chew out the screw heads. It is easier on the wrists than a normal screwdriver and gets a lot more torque than any battery driver ever will.
Regards
John

This is what Sachys Robertson say about lubricating screws (esp theirs):

"
How should I Lubricate my screws?

Some woodworkers lubricate their screws with soap to ease driving - DON'T DO IT. Soap contains acids and absorbs moisture causing rust and rotting of the timber around the screw. Our Lube finish screws are coated with a dry wax to protect them and ease driving.
If you need it, use a bit of wax or dry lubricant. Zinc plated screws are usually very dry and it is advisable to use a little wax on them or spray them with one of the pressure pack dry lubricants"

I bought a couple of these. One has a Phillips head bit and the other has a Roberston square drive bit. One end drills and countersinks/counterbores, the other has the driver bit. Very handy things when you've only got one cordless drill.

Very neat!

Originally Posted by jmk89

This is what Sachys Robertson say about lubricating screws (esp theirs):

"
How should I Lubricate my screws?

Some woodworkers lubricate their screws with soap to ease driving - DON'T DO IT. Soap contains acids and absorbs moisture causing rust and rotting of the timber around the screw. Our Lube finish screws are coated with a dry wax to protect them and ease driving.
If you need it, use a bit of wax or dry lubricant. Zinc plated screws are usually very dry and it is advisable to use a little wax on them or spray them with one of the pressure pack dry lubricants"

The above is an advertisement for a particular brand of screw and should be treated with the healthy scepticism reserved for all hype.

Cheers

Graeme